Foundation Year in Computing
Subject and course type
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
Ready to start your journey towards a Computing honours degree? This Foundation Year in Computing will give you the knowledge and skills you need to progress your studies and establish your ambitions. You’ll get a taste of academic life in a supportive university environment, with access to a range of cutting-edge facilities.
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Pave the way for an exciting career
Take your first step towards gaining a full bachelor's degree in Computing.
Maybe you don’t have the right qualifications to join the first year of a computing-based degree. Perhaps your previous studies have been in an unrelated field, or you’re returning to education after time in employment. Whatever your reason, this Foundation Year will help you realise your potential.
During the course, you’ll take core modules that cover everything from professional skills and project management to the basic concepts, theories and technologies of computing. It’s the perfect way to gain an overview of the field before you specialise.
Through a blend of studio practice, project-based learning and context driven lectures, you’ll develop technical and communication skills and apply your knowledge to real-life problems.
You’ll complete the Foundation Year in Computing ready to progress to Year 1 of an honours course.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, our staff are leading practitioners and researchers at the cutting-edge of their discipline.
A portion of your learning will take place at our Penrhyn Road campus, where you’ll have access to a modern environment with all the latest equipment. Facilities include computing laboratories with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors. You’ll also find state-of-the-art hardware and software, including:
- Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver, Flash 11, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits
- Maple, Matlab and SAS
- Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers)
- A mix of wireless LAN technologies and a comprehensive learning resources centre
Our insight hub, known as inKUbator, will give you opportunities to learn directly from the industry. Previous speakers have included Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.
Kingston University’s Computer Science BSc course is accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), and our PlayStation First partnership with Sony will give you the chance to develop games for the PlayStation 5.
Select your chosen degree programme and apply for the ‘including foundation year’ course. The corresponding UCAS codes are listed below.
- Game Development BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G624 - Computer Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G403 - Cyber Security & Digital Forensics BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G4NX - Digital Media Technology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G455 - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: I102
Course content
Throughout the year you will study a range of subjects relevant to subsequent study in Year 1 of your degree and beyond. These subjects are supported by modules where your study and technical skills are developed. The broad scope of subjects is intended to allow study in a range of subject areas and, in some instances, allows flexibility of choice of intended degree route. Subjects start at an elementary level, and there is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. In the skills module you will also undertake a project where you focus on a topic in computer science that will involve gathering and analysing some data and interpreting it for a "client" or general audience, which adds to your portfolio of things you can share with a future employer.
Modules
Core Modules
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Computing Foundation and is designed to complement and support the subject content of the other modules within the programme. The focus of the module is the development of a range of core and future professional skills, contextualised to the computing field and the student's course. This in turn allows students to become independent, resilient and reflective learners who will be able to succeed in subsequent levels of degree study.
The module provides an early appreciation of the career opportunities that their degree leads to, which in turn allows students to determine the professional skills they will develop in their course as a whole and will need to develop within the foundation. To consolidate employability, the basic principles of Agile Project Management are introduced to students in the context of their chosen degree subject.
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Computing Foundation year and is designed to allow students to develop a number of the skills introduced in the professional skills module, in particular those relating to critical thinking, problem solving and group work. The focus of the module is in project-based learning as applied to real-world scenarios and/or problems in the degree subject area of the student, including computer science, computer science & AI, cyber security & digital forensics and computer games programming.
30 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce key technologies, concepts and theories and provide a platform for subsequent study as a specialist in computing. By exploring these foundational elements, the module will equip students with the necessary skills to critically engage with and apply these concepts in various contexts.
30 credits
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop computer applications in different real-world contexts. The module has a broad scope that encompasses different sub-disciplines within computing; students will have the opportunity to explore this breadth and consider where their own future specialism may lie.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Boost your employability
Every course at Kingston University teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market and a head start on your career.
After you graduate
You’ll complete this year with the foundational knowledge and key academic skills you need to join a maths or computing-related bachelor’s degree course at Kingston University. Options include everything from Games Development and Computer Science to Digital Media Technology and more.
Careers advice
Tap into high-quality careers and recruitment guidance from our specialist employability team. From job-seeking tips to help with CV prep, application forms, interview techniques and finding work as an international student, it’s here to get you started after studying. The team even runs regular events to help you network with employers in an informal setting.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching uses a variety of approaches including lectures, seminars and tutorials, workshops and computer practical work. Sessions are designed to be active, involving students undertaking small projects and working in groups to solve problems. The use of technology to enhance learning is an important way in which students are supported. Particular emphasis is placed on developing study skills that will help mature applicants who are returning to education and those from non-computing and mathematics backgrounds.
Assessment includes a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework may take the form of report writing, case studies and presentations with emphasis on real world problems. Examinations take place at the end of the year, giving you the opportunity to settle back into education and into the course. The style of assessment provides a natural progression to Year 1 of your chosen degree.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 350 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 850 hours
- Coursework: 100%
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Fees and funding
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G403 - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: I102 - Cyber Security & Computer Forensics BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G4NX - Digital Media Technology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G455 - Game Development BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G624
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
